CN1165498A

CN1165498A - Method and apparatus using multiple engraving heads

Info

Publication number: CN1165498A
Application number: CN95192998A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 小肯尼斯·F·博恩豪斯特; 金·E·伊佐尔; 大卫·R·塞茨
Original assignee: Ohio Electronic Engravers Inc
Current assignee: Ohio Electronic Engravers Inc
Priority date: 1994-05-12
Filing date: 1995-05-03
Publication date: 1997-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 2015-05-03
Also published as: DE69534366T2; WO1995031332A1; JPH10500077A; US5492057A; EP0759852B1; EP0759852A4; DE69534366D1; CN1085586C; EP0759852A1

Abstract

This invention is a system for locating a plurality of engraving heads on an engraver and automatically positioning such heads into a predetermined configuration. A mechanism for positioning the heads includes a lead screw and a drive nut which is rotatable relative to the lead screw. Each of the heads includes a rotatable drive nut with a respective motor for rotating the nut whereby the heads are selectively positioned into a predetermined configuration. The heads are mounted on a carriage movable in an axial direction relative to a cylinder to be engraved. The heads are selectively positionable on the carriage and the carriage includes a nut threadably engaged with a lead screw whereby the carriage is driven in an axial direction relative to the cylinder to be engraved. A method for engraving a cylinder includes automatically adjusting a plurality of engraving heads into a predetermined configuration, and engraving a plurality of images onto the cylinder.

Description

Use a plurality of engraving method and devices of carving head

The present invention relates to head positioning system at a kind of quarter, or rather, the present invention relates to a kind of have a plurality of carve head and can carve head with respect to waiting to carve the plate-making that the cylinder automatic axial is positioned at the system in a precalculated position carve machine.

Motor is scribed gravure cylinder and is included in rotary drum when driving one or more quarters that have a diamond cutting stylus, and cutting stylus is scribed inking unit (cell) or line and formed and scribe cylinder and be used for printing process on cylinder surface.Scribe cylinder and be for general on roll type intaglio printing process on paper, plastics, metallic film or other printing material.

Scribe be used for printed publication such as magazine etc. scribe cylinder the time, the machine of scribing contains a plurality of heads at quarter that have a diamond cutting stylus respectively, each carves head can be used to scribe the different part of cylinder simultaneously, and wherein each can be for example respectively corresponding to the different page or leaf of publication by the part that a moment, head was scribed.

Should accurately control moving of cutting stylus when scribing makes inking unit or the line scribed be positioned at the position that requires on the cylinder.But the relative location of the head zero hour always is more time-consuming, and before scribing, the experienced operator should manually adjust each position of carving head.

For example, scribe in the machine, will have a plurality of pedestals of carving head with respect to waiting that the axis of carving cylinder is positioned at a special axial location in existing plate-making, be scheduled at axial hand adjustment head at a moment with fixing reference point positions aligning.Then with pedestal from this reference point move a preset distance make following a moment head manual positioning with another reference point positions aligning.Repeating this process all is positioned up to all heads at quarter.The quarter of prior art, a positioning mode was very time-consuming and be difficult to obtain repetitive positioning accuracy.Require during cause when in addition, for example changing the diamond cutting stylus one motion of carving head to check or adjust on the pedestal other position of carving head to guarantee to carve relative position between the head (constant).

Thereby, needing head positioning system at a kind of quarter, it can navigate to a precalculated position quickly and easily with carving head, in addition, also requires this system will carve head accurately and can repeatedly be positioned at a precalculated position.

On the one hand, the present invention includes the head positioning system at quarter on pedestal, comprise on the pedestal: carve head, carve a positioner that head links to each other with each and be used for and navigate to a precalculated position quarter selectively.

On the other hand, the present invention includes one carves head with at least one and navigates to one and carve the navigation system in the precalculated position of head with respect to preliminary election, it comprises: one drive described at least one carve the driver of head, a controller that combines with described driver will described at least one quarter to activate described driver be driven into a described precalculated position.

Another aspect the present invention includes and a kind ofly will carve head on the plate-making machine at quarter of cylinder and be positioned at the method in a precalculated position scribing, and described method may further comprise the steps: (a) determine described precalculated position; (b) activating at least one driver carves the head location with at least one and is positioned at a pre-selected locations up to described quarters; (c) scribe cylinder.

Can there be different modification in system of the present invention.In first kind of system embodiment, have one and be provided with the pedestal of carving head, it can be at axially parallel in waiting that carving cylinder moves along the machine of quarter frame.Quarter the machine frame be provided with a motor-driven and and the screw rod that is fixed on the nut engagement on this pedestal to move axially pedestal along frame.In addition, also be provided with a standing screw or a plurality of screw rod on the pedestal, and each carves the motor-driven nut that head all has and standing screw engagement.Make and carve head and be positioned at desired position on the pedestal moving axially each corresponding head of carving by operating a drive nut motor.Pedestal is by being contained in motor-driven screw drive on the frame in the cylinder axially-movable when scribing.

In second embodiment of the invention, carve head be positioned in along the machine of quarter frame axially, each is carved head and comprises one and be installed in the motor-driven nut that the standing screw on the machine frame at quarter is meshed.Beginning to install quarter during machine, each drive nut motion of carving head will be carved head and will be positioned at desired position, with the distance that a requirement is arranged between constantly mutually.After form carving a relative start position, make with identical or different speed drive nut and to carve head and when scribing, move along cylinder axis.

Another aspect of the invention has embodied in the drive nut mechanism of the above embodiment of the present invention.Make the linear movement that still can obtain carving head under the situation of pitch error although accurately move drive nut mechanism existing by a controller.Drive nut its pitch behind corner repeatedly can form pitch error, thereby prepares and store the accuracy table that increases progressively accordingly in controller.Afterwards, this table is input to makes the rotation of this nut can adjust the linear movement accurately that obtains carving head in the action command of drive nut.

In the third embodiment of the invention, be equipped with on the pedestal and carve head and pedestal can be in the axially-movable that is parallel to cylinder to be scribed.Each carves head all can be axially each other or with respect to base motion.Pedestal is axially driving along the machine of quarter frame by a screw rod, the screw-threaded engagement of the nut on described screw rod and the pedestal, and the rotation of screw rod has caused that pedestal is in axial motion.Each is carved head and all has a pair of lock, one of them be used for quarters head be locked on the machine frame at quarter another and then be used for and will be locked at pedestal quarter.Thereby, thereby carve on the frame and rotating screw bolt makes pedestal move with respect to the machine of quarter frame the head at quarter can be set on pedestal by corresponding lock is locked at.When carving head and be positioned at its desired location, operate that another lock will carve that head is locked on the pedestal and carve head and be fixed on the pedestal mobile with then released the making of the lock of the machine of quarter frame engagement.

Thereby, the object of the present invention is to provide and a kind ofly preparing to carve a head positioning system at quarter that is positioned at a precalculated position when scribing.

Another purpose of the present invention be to provide a kind of quarter head positioning system, it comprises making carves the driving mechanism that head moves mutually.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a kind of will carve the system that head is positioned at a precalculated position automatically, can reduce to minimum by operator's action request when carving the head location like this.

From following explanation, can draw other purpose of the present invention and advantage in accompanying drawing and the appended claims.In the accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 has the perspective view of the plate-making machine at quarter of most preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a pedestal and carve the perspective view that an assembly amplifies among Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is the present invention's machine the 3rd embodiment perspective view at quarter of making a plate;

Fig. 5 is a pedestal and carve the perspective view that an assembly amplifies among Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 shows the side view of the arrestment mechanism that is used for Fig. 1 and 2 embodiment;

Fig. 7 is the view along 7-7 line among Fig. 6.

Plate-making shown in Figure 1 is carved machine 10 and is had the frame 12 that head positioning system 14 is carved in supporting, and has the headstock 16 and the tailstock 18 of a supporting cylinder 20 within it when operation is scribed in plate-making in addition.The headstock 16 has a driving mechanism that comprises motor 22 and is used to drive this cylinder 20 around its longitudinal axis 24 rotations.

As illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, carve head positioning system 14 and have a pedestal 26, it is parallel to longitudinal axis 24 in axial or side direction and is supported slidably along pair of guide rails 28 and 30.The bottom of pedestal 26 has guiding piece or

bootstrap block

32 and 34 of meshing with the relative upside of guide rail 30 and 28.By comprising rotatable screw rod 36 and can making this pedestal 26 produce axially-movables with its screw-threaded engagement and the transmission mechanism that is fixed on the nut of pedestal 26 bottoms.Described screw rod 36 is bearing on the frame 12 and by the motor 40 in these screw rod 36 ends by the bearing (not shown) and drives, and this screw rod then supports by another supporting member 42 at its other end.Motor 40 can be servo or stepper motor or other corresponding motor to come rotating screw bolt 36 by accurate angular movement and pedestal 26 accurately located with respect to the axis 24 of cylinder 20.

As from Fig. 2, can finding out well, a pair of quarter an

assembly

44 and 46 be installed in the pedestal 26 wherein each and carve an assembly and comprise one respectively and carve 68 and 68 ' and supporting carve 68,68 ' the

headstock

48,48 '.Carve 68,68 ' be similar in the U.S. Patent application 08/105,911 head at disclosed quarter.Although it should be noted that to show an

assembly

44 and 46 at two quarters, the present invention also can comprise contain be installed on the pedestal 26 any amount of quarter an assembly head positioning system at quarter.The

headstock

44 and 46 of carving an

assembly

44 and 46 be supported on

guide rail

50 and 52 and can parallel to the axis 24 axially or lateral sliding.The headstock 48,48 ' by extend from its underpart and with the

bootstrap block

54,54 of the relative upside engagement of

guide rail

50,52 ' and 56,56 guiding and accurately calibrate with respect to guide rail.

Each carve an

assembly

44 and 46 by transmission mechanism with respect to base motion, described transmission mechanism comprise one contain with have motor 77,77 ' driver 76, the nut 74 that 76 ' effect links to each other, 74 ' actuator or connector, that is by motor come rotatably

drive nut

74,74 '.The transmission mechanism that is used for move carving an

assembly

44,46 also comprises a driving or a driving member that contains screw rod 78 in addition, and it is supported on the pedestal 26 by supporting

member

80 and 82 and is fixed by it and can not move and rotate.Screw rod 78 extend through drive nut 74,74 ' and with its () screw-threaded engagement, like this drive nut 74,74 ' just become carve an

assembly

44 and 46 and screw rod 78 between connector.Thereby actuator 76,76 ' and when making drive nut 74,74 ' rotations, an

assembly

44 and 46 will move axially along pedestal 26 at quarter when starting.In addition, preferably be provided with one with the

encoder

84,84 of each drive nut 74,74 ' be meshed ' survey drive nut 74,74 ' rotation after should carve the position of an assembly 44 and 46.Can be clear that thus: screw rod 68, actuator 76,76 ', drive nut 74,74 ' and encoder 84,84 ' formed is used for and will carves 68,68 ' move to the location and the transmission mechanism in a precalculated position.In the another kind of scheme, actuator 76,76 ' can be servo or stepper motor be with accurate adjusting drive nut 74, thus 74 ' rotation carve 68,68 ' the location.

Still note, although be shown in the headstock 48,48 ' on installed encoder 84,84 ', it also can be installed on the pedestal 26 and have the mechanism that links to each other with the headstock 48, the 48 ' effect position with detecting

head frame component

44 and 46.

Plate-making machine at quarter 10 also comprises one and actuator 76,76 ' and encoder 84,84 ' continuous computer or controller 70, Programmable Logic Controller for example, be used for from encoder 84, thus 84 ' middle reception input information automatically regulate actuator 76,76 ' motion will carve an

assembly

44 and 46 and adjust to desired position on the pedestal 26.In addition, controller 70 and motor 40 with carve 68,68 ' link to each other to be controlled at the motion of scribing on the cylinder 20.When carving the adjustment operation of an

assembly

44 and 46 in the location, controller 70 is beginning to carving 68, precalculated position of 68 ' setting, and each actuator 76,76 ' independently of each other runnings make drive nut 74,74 ' rotate, make thus and carve an

assembly

44 and 46 moves axially to a requirement on pedestal 26 position.

Each carve 68,68 ' all be provided with a light inking cell sensor (opticalcellsensor) 72,72 ', its type is open in U.S. Patent application NO 08/038,679.This light inking cell sensor is preferably used in and survey carves 68,68 ' with respect to along the position of intaglio plate inking unit on the cylinder 20 and help suitable adjustment at axis 24 pairs of these

quarters

68,68 of cylinder 20 ' carry out.Thereby, controller 70 can utilize sensor 72,72 ' output valve so that make carve 68,68 ' each other and accurately locate with respect to cylinder 20.

After will carving an

assembly

44 and 46 and being placed in the position of a requirement on the pedestal 26, just can scribe by starter motor 40 rotating screw bolts 36, along the longitudinal length of cylinder 20 with pedestal with the quarter that links to each other an assembly navigate to the position of requirement.When carving an

assembly

44 and 46 when cylinder 20 moves; control by controller 70 and to carve 68; 68 ' motion make to carve 68,68 ' on diamond cutting stylus (not shown) towards inking unit (cell) thereby or line move and on the surface of cylinder 20, form a plurality of type matrixes or pattern.

Fig. 3 shows one second embodiment of the present invention, wherein, has added 100 similar label with the front and has represented and last embodiment similar elements.Among Fig. 3 quarter head positioning system 114 similar in appearance to the navigation system of Fig. 1 and 2, the pedestal 26 that does not just have the front and had.More particularly, the embodiment among Fig. 3 comprises a pair of

guide rail

128 and 130 that is contained on the frame 112, and their form one and wait to carve the supporting of cylinder (not shown) axis direction and guiding and carve an

assembly

144 and 146 and carry out straight-line guiding road being parallel to.

Carve an

assembly

144 and 146 have basically with previous embodiment in assembly 44 structure identical with 46 comprise a supporting carve 168,168 ' the headstock 148,148 '.By supporting member 180,182 screw rod 178 is fixed on the frame 112, and it can not be rotated and move axially.This screw rod extend through drive nut 174,174 ' and with its screw-threaded engagement, described nut then by have drive motors 177,177 ' actuator 176,176 ' drive.Screw rod 178, drive nut 174,174 ' and actuator 176,176 ' formed is used for carving the transmission mechanism that an

assembly

144 and 146 is positioned at desired location.In addition, also be provided with encoder 184,184 ' be used for accurately monitor drive nut 176,176 ' rotation, carve 168,168 ' upward also can be provided with optical pickocff 172,172 ' measure exactly and carve 168,168 ' with respect to the position of waiting to carve cylinder.

When adjusting operation, controller 170 activates actuator 176,176 ' make and carve the position that an

assembly

144 and 146 moves on to a requirement, wherein carve 168, the distance that 168 ' space one requires and be positioned at a precalculated position respectively along described cylinder is carved an

assembly

144 and 146 and can be begun to scribe after locate, at this moment controller 170 activation actuators 176, the preset program that 176 ' also bases are stored in the controller 170 is moving axially an assembly 144,146 at quarter.In addition, according to the different requirements of scribing, the quarter in the present embodiment, an

assembly

144 and 146 can identical or different speed move.And during scribing, also can come drive screw 178 to carve an

assembly

144 and 146 by a motor (not shown) with moved further.

For above-mentioned two embodiment, it should be noted that

controller

70 and 170 preferably should able to programmely compensate the sum of errors fluctuation (it can cause the nonlinear motion of carving an assembly) of

screw rod

36,78 and 178 pitch.Thereby, screw rod 36,78,178 pitch preferably for example marks with an interferometer, and its data are used for correspondingly being formed on drive nut or screw rod and revise the necessary increment of pitch error (incremental) correction value after repeatedly rotating.These increment correction values are stored in the tabular of controller the correction value that this controller thus can search out the linear movement of any requirement.Non-linear method in this correction screw rod 36,78,178 is similar to the No.08/023 at US, disclosed method in 060.Thereby, transmission mechanism of the present invention can be carved each on head and all accurately be positioned at a position that requires, and it has overcome pitch unintentional nonlinearity shortcoming, thereby makes the location more accurate, thereby the present invention is applicable to basically and fully automatically realizes carving between the head and carve the location of head with respect to cylinder.

One the 3rd embodiment has been shown in the Figure 4 and 5, has wherein used the like numerals will that adds " 200 " corresponding to the element among first embodiment.

(in the Figure 4 and 5) are carved head positioning system 214 and are comprised a pedestal 226, this pedestal is by pair of guide rails 228 and 230 supportings and guiding and in the axially-movable of the longitudinal axis 224 that is parallel to cylinder 220, the bottom of pedestal 226 has the bootstrap block 232 and 234 of the upside engagement relative with 230 with guide rail 228.Comprise that by one one drives pedestal 226 with the transmission mechanism of the rotatable screw rod 236 that is fixed on nut 238 screw-threaded engagement below the pedestal 226 and makes it in axially-movable.Described screw rod 236 is bearing on the frame 212 and by the motor 240 that is arranged on the one end by the bearing (not shown) and drives, and this screw rod is supported by a supporting member 242 at its other end in addition.The motor 40 that motor 240 is similar among first embodiment comes rotating screw bolt 236 by accurate angular movement, and pedestal 226 is accurately located with respect to the axis 224 of cylinder 220.Should point out at this, can above-mentioned screw rod 36,78,178 identical modes carry out non-linear correction screw rod 236.

A pair of quarter, an assembly 244 and 246 was arranged on the pedestal 226, but each assembly comprise one be supported on axially parallel on guide rail 250 and 252 in the headstock 248,248 of axis 224 motions '.By extend from the headstock 248,248 ' bottom and the bootstrap block 254 of the upside engagement relative with 252 and 256 with guide rail 250 with the headstock 248,248 ' remain on the guide rail 250,252 and and accurately adjust with respect to guide rail.Be equipped with in each headstock 248,248 ' bottom adjust lock 258,258 ', described adjustment lock contain with the brake shoe 260,260 that is installed in the adjustment rail 262,262 carved on the frame 212 ' be meshed '.In addition, the headstock 248,248 ' on also be equipped with locking lock 264,264 ', its () have the brake shoe 266,266 that is meshed with locking rail 269 on the pedestal 226 '.Each headstock 248,248 ' further be supported with respectively a moment 268,268 ', wherein each carve 268,268 ' on be equipped with one respectively and on cylinder 20, carve characters or the diamond cutting stylus (not shown) of line.In the aforementioned embodiment, carve 268,268 ' can have light inking cell sensor 272,272 ' wherein said sensor 272,272 ' be used for survey carving 268,268 ' with respect to the position of being carved the unit on the cylinder 20 so that carve 268,268 ' carry out suitable adjustment along 224 pairs in the axis of this cylinder 220.

Control the operation that machine 210 is carved in described plate-making by the Programmable Logic Controller 270 that is used for monitoring the motion of plate-making machine 210 different elements at quarter.For example, this controller 270 receive from sensor 272,272 ' input signal and control motor 240, brake shoe 258,258 ' and 264,264 ' and carve 268,268 ' action.

Adjust to a desired precalculated position in order to carve an assembly 244 and 246, at first this position can be input in the controller 270 and make motor 240 and lock 258,258 ' and 264,264 ' action carve an assembly 244 and 246 desired positions to reach.For example, can make brake shoe 260 and 262 engagements of locking rail, unclamp lock 264 simultaneously and make that carving an assembly 244 can move to make and carve an assembly 244 and 246 and be positioned a precalculated position on the pedestal 226 with respect to pedestal 226 by first running lock 258.Motor 240 moves rotating screw bolts 236 then, and pedestal 226 can move to make at quarter and obtain a desired relative position between an assembly 244 and the headstock 248 with respect to an assembly 244 at quarter like this.And then braking and locking lock 264 makes brake shoe 266 and 269 engagements of locking rail unclamp simultaneously to adjust lock 258 and is locked in the position of a requirement to move together with pedestal 226 so that carve an assembly 244.Carrying out similar operation adjusts and carves an assembly 246 and carve the position of an assembly 246 with respect to pedestal 226 and with respect to another.For example, in the time will carving an assembly 244 and be locked at its precalculated position on pedestal 226, make and adjust lock 258 ' action and live to carve an assembly 246 with locking and make it can not be, unclamp locking lock 264 ' make pedestal 226 simultaneously and carve an assembly 244 and can move with respect to carving an assembly 246 with respect to frame 212 motions.When reaching the position of a requirement, that is carving when having the interval of a requirement between the assembly 244 and 246, operation locking lock 264 ' will a carve assembly be locked at unclamp simultaneously on certain position of pedestal 226 adjustment lock 258 '.When scribing, adjust lock 258,258 ' remain on a position of unclamping and lock on the locked position that lock 264,264 ' then will a carve assembly 244 and 246 remains on pedestal 226.

For the ease of reaching the position of a requirement, can use one to scribe the next definite position of carving an assembly of symbol (engravedmark) M (Fig. 1) with respect to cylinder 20.For example, scribe symbol M and can be used to determine the position of head frame assembly 44 with respect to cylinder 10, another is carved an assembly and then is adjusted to a precalculated position with respect to head frame assembly 44 then.

Fig. 6 and 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and it comprises and is different from Fig. 1, the another kind of brake system among 2 embodiment.Specifically, described brake system is used to make headstock 44-1 with respect to pedestal 26-1 locking.

With the same in the embodiment of Fig. 1 and 2, pedestal 26-1 is supported by guide rail 28-1 and 30-1 and can move thereon, and wherein guiding piece 32-1 and 34-1 mesh with guide rail 28-1 and 30-1 respectively.Pedestal 26-1 upper support is useful on guide rail 50-1 and the 52-1 with guiding piece 54-1 that has the headstock 48-1 that carves an assembly 44-1 and 56-1 guiding ground engagement.

Pedestal 26-1 is driven by motor 40-1 and moves along the screw rod (not shown), wherein said screw rod (not shown) and one and the rigidly connected nut engagement of pedestal 26-1.Be provided with on the headstock 48-1 actuator 76-1 be used to drive one with the drive nut 74-1 that is installed in the screw rod 78-1 screw-threaded engagement on the pedestal 26-1.Rotatablely moving of drive nut 74-1 monitored by an encoder 84-1 who is installed in equally on the headstock 48-1.

When headstock 48-1 was positioned at a position that requires with respect to pedestal 26-1, operation lock 64-1 made the side engagement of itself and guide rail 52-1 thereby headstock 48-1 is locked at desired position.Lock 64-1 has an operating parts 86 that links to each other with actuator 76-1.Described operating parts can be pneumatic, electromagnetism, hydraulic pressure or the device of other form of the actuating rod that is used to operate a band movable head 90 or post 88.By securing member such as screw 94 (Fig. 7) brake shoe 92 has been installed on movable head 90.This brake shoe 92 is preferably by steel or other any suitable brake material is formed and be identical with the movable head 90 basically elongated piece of a length, as shown in Figure 7.Brake(-holder) block 96 be clipped in its width between movable head 90 and the brake shoe 92 roughly with the equal in length of brake shoe 92, the upper end of this brake(-holder) block 96 is fixed on the lower limb 98 of headstock 48-1 and can be kept by a supporting plate 100, can produce bending at brake shoe 92 towards brake(-holder) block 96 when move away from guide rail 52-1.And this brake(-holder) block 96 stops and comprises post 88, and the assembly of follower disk 90 and brake shoe 92 is shifting near perpendicular to brake shoe 92 and away from the motion of the direction of guide rail 52-1.Thereby operating parts 86 is used for pushing brake shoe to guide rail 52-1 makes it enter the friction engagement of a locking.In addition, described brake(-holder) block 96 also can guarantee that at the sidesway longitudinally along guide rail 52-1 headstock 48-1 can accurately locate with respect to pedestal 26-1 with respect to headstock 48-1 by stoping brake shoe 92.

With reference to Fig. 6, be noted that, by one with 102 quarters that schematically illustrate first detent mechanism will carve a 68-1 and be installed on the headstock 48-1, this at quarter head positioning mechanism can be used for towards or move exactly and carve a 68-1 away from waiting to carve cylinder, its (detent mechanism) can comprise that one is admitted the device of different-diameter cylinder and can carve the orientation that keeps a requirement between a 68-1 and the cylinder simultaneously.This mechanism is described in U.S. Patent application 08/091,302.

Note still to be that lock 64-1 can be used for any one embodiment among Fig. 1 to 5.For example, the locking rail 69 coefficient lock 64-1 that an

assembly

44 and 46 can be provided with and be installed on the pedestal 26 quarter among Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be locked at respect to pedestal 26 desired positions carving an

assembly

44 and 46 thus.Each lock 64-1 can be hydraulic pressure, and pneumatic or electronic also can acting on separately makes brake shoe 92 engagements and brake towards locking rail 69.When carving the position of an

assembly

44 and 46 in its requirement, by controller 70 control lock 64,64 ' motion will carve an

assembly

44 and 46 lockings.

In addition, at US patent application No.08/091, the head positioning mechanism at quarter described in 302 can be used to the location that Fig. 1 any one in 5 embodiment carved head.

Should also be noted that, as above-mentioned U.S. Patent application No.08/023,060 described screw mandrel linearisation can be used for revising

screw mandrel

36,78 in scribing system, 178 and 236 and the pitch of other screw rod non-linear, these non-linear nonlinear motions that when screw mandrel rotates, can cause the pedestal or the headstock.

The invention is not restricted to the foregoing description scope, can finish other organization plan of above-mentioned identical function as long as it can comprise.For example, screw rod and nut assembly can be feed screw nut's assembly, and ball screw nut assembly and rack-pinion, band and pulley assemblies, linear electric motors, cam follower assembly, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or electromagnetic actuators or other are linear or turn to the device of linear movement.In addition, the present invention carves head positioning system applicable to the head at quarter with other type, for example probe or laser head at quarter is positioned at a precalculated position.

In addition, the driver 76 that uses in the native system, 76 ', 176,176 ' with drive motors 40 with 240 and other driver can comprise that the servomotor of a tape counter or stepper motor accurately control the rotation of the actuator that screw rod or nut or other link to each other with driver or motor.

Can clearly be seen that by above-mentioned explanation, quarter of the present invention head positioning system can with a plurality of carve head be positioned at one and provide pass through to be stored in a program precalculated position in the controller.And waiting to carve unit on the cylinder, line or other distinguishing characteristics position and measure the sensor input signal of carving the position of head in plate-making machine at quarter by measurement obviously can be with respect to waiting that carving cylinder accurately locatees the head at quarter.In addition, need point out still that the present invention is convenient to be provided with a plurality of plate-making especially and is carved machines, wherein slave controller provides be used for one quarter machine program can be used to machine at other at quarter.

Because the form of described device forms preferential embodiment of the present invention, thereby the present invention can be regarded as and be not limited to described definite device shape, also can change not departing within the claim institute restricted portion.

Claims

1. one scribe system and comprise:

At least one carves head; With

Thereby with described at least one carve positioner that head links to each other with will be described at least one carve head and move and will be positioned at a precalculated position in the machine at quarter described at least one quarter being arranged essentially parallel to the cylinder axis direction.

2. by the described system of claim 1, wherein said positioner comprises a driver that links to each other with a controller, and described controller can activate described driver will described at least one quarter to move on to a precalculated position.

3. by the described system of claim 1, wherein said system comprises head at a plurality of quarter; Described positioner comprises at least one and a plurality of at least one driver that link to each other of carving in the head.

4. by the described system of claim 2, wherein said driver is a stepper motor.

5. by the described system of claim 2, wherein said positioner comprise one in order to measure described at least one carve the sensor of a position.

6. by the described system of claim 3, wherein said positioner comprises also that in addition at least one sensor that links to each other with at least one driver is to measure described a plurality of relative position of carving head.

7. by the described system of claim 6, wherein said driver is a stepper motor.

8. by the described system of claim 1, wherein said at least one carve head and be located on the pedestal that is installed in slippingly on the machine at quarter.

9. by the described system of claim 8, wherein said positioner is arranged on the described pedestal.

10. by the described system of claim 8, wherein, described system comprises a plurality of heads at quarter that are positioned on the pedestal;

Described positioner can drive described a plurality of quarter head and locate them a precalculated position on pedestal.

11. by the described system of claim 10, wherein said positioner comprises a driver.

12. by the described system of claim 11, wherein said driver is a stepper motor.

13. by the described system of claim 8, wherein said driver comprises that is measured a plurality of described sensors of carving the relative position of head on pedestal.

14. by the described system of claim 12, wherein said driver comprises that is measured a plurality of described sensors of carving the relative position of head on pedestal, described sensor comprises an encoder.

15. by the described system of claim 1, wherein said quarter, machine comprised a screw rod, described positioner comprise one with a plurality of quarters heads at least one driver that links to each other and linking to each other with described screw rod will being positioned at the precalculated position described at least one quarter.

16. by the described system of claim 15, wherein at least one is carved head, described screw rod and described positioner and is installed on the pedestal.

17. by the described system of claim 15, thus wherein driver comprise one be installed in rotation on connector on the described screw rod and one with described at least one carve a drive motors that head links to each other be used between described connector and screw rod, producing relative motion make described at least one carve and can be moved to described precalculated position.

18. by the described system of claim 16, thus wherein driver comprise one be installed in rotation on connector on the described screw rod and one with described at least one carve a drive motors that head links to each other be used between described connector and screw rod, producing relative motion make described at least one carve and can be moved to described precalculated position.

19. by the described system of claim 17, wherein said connector is a rotating nut.

20. by the described system of claim 18, wherein said connector is a rotating nut.

21. by the described system of claim 18, wherein said driver rotating drive screw rod.

22. by the described system of claim 19, wherein screw rod is located on the machine frame at quarter.

23. by the described system of claim 1, wherein, described system comprise in addition one will be described at least one at least one in carving be locked at the lock in precalculated position.

24. by the described system of claim 1, wherein said at least one carve head comprise a preliminary election quarter head and one second quarter head and

Transmission device be included in keep described preliminary election carve head and described second quarter the head distance situation under drive that described preliminary election is carved and described second quarter head drive unit.

25. by the described system of claim 24, wherein, when cylinder is placed in the machine at described quarter described drive unit drive described preliminary election carve head and described second quarter head move in the direction that is roughly parallel to cylinder axis.

26. by the described system of claim 24, wherein said drive unit comprises that one is installed in the screw rod on the machine at quarter, be installed on the described screw rod with described preliminary election carve head and at least one connector that second quarter, head linked to each other and one be used for described at least one connector and screw rod produce relative motion with drive described preliminary election quarter and second quarter head drive motors.

27. by the described system of claim 26, wherein said drive motors is operably connected with the described screw rod of rotating drive with described screw rod.

28. by the described system of claim 26, wherein at least one connector is a nut, the described drive motors described nut of rotating drive that is operably connected with described nut.

29. by the described system of claim 1, wherein said system also comprise when cylinder is installed in the machine at quarter, drive described at least one carve head towards with the device that moves away from described cylinder axis.

30. by the described system of claim 5, wherein said sensor comprises an encoder that links to each other with described driver.

31. by the described system of claim 1, wherein said quarter, machine comprised that is measured a described sensor of carving head with respect to the position of described cylinder.

32. by the described system of claim 30, wherein said sensor is an optical pickocff.

33. with at least one carve head be positioned at scribe cylinder quarter a precalculated position on the machine method, described method comprises the following steps:

(a) determine described precalculated position;

(b) Electronic Control at least one with described at least one carve a driving member that head links to each other make described at least one carve and navigate to described precalculated position.

34. by the described method of claim 33, wherein said step (b) also comprises the following steps:

Measure described at least one carve the relative position of head.

35. by the described method of claim 33, wherein said quarter, machine comprised head at a plurality of quarter, described step (b) comprises the following steps:

At least one a plurality ofly carves Electronic Control a driving member that head links to each other and makes and navigate to described precalculated position described a plurality of quarter with described.

36. by the described method of claim 35, wherein said method is further comprising the steps of:

Measure described at least one carve the relative position of head.

37. by the described method of claim 33, wherein said method also comprises the steps:

On the pedestal that is installed in adjustably on the machine of scribing, locate adjustably described at least one carve head.

38. by the described method of claim 37, wherein said method also comprises the steps:

Move described pedestal being arranged essentially parallel to the described axis direction that is installed in the cylinder in the machine of scribing when on cylinder, scribing.

39. by the described method of claim 33, wherein said at least one carve head and comprise a coupled transmission device, described method comprises the steps:

Activate to activate described driving member with will be described at least one carve and move to the precalculated position.

40. by the described method of claim 39, wherein said driving member comprise one with described at least one carve head and link to each other and be installed in rotation on nut on the machine screw rod at quarter, described activation actuation step comprises the steps:

Between described nut and screw rod, produce relative motion and make described at least one carve head and be positioned in described precalculated position.

41. by the described method of claim 40, the wherein said step of relative motion that causes comprises:

Drive described rotary nut and produce described relative motion.

42. by the described method of claim 33, the wherein said machine of scribing comprises a pedestal, described method comprises the steps:

Electronic Control described at least one carve head in the location on the pedestal so that described at least one carve head and be positioned at a precalculated position on the pedestal.

43. by the described method of claim 42, wherein said method also comprises: drive described pedestal when scribing and move at the axis direction that is arranged essentially parallel to described cylinder.

44. by the described method of claim 42, wherein said method also comprises: drive described screw rod described pedestal is moved at the axis direction that is arranged essentially parallel to described cylinder.

45. by the described method of claim 33, wherein said at least one carve head and comprise a coupled rotary nut, but described turn nut be installed in rotation on the screw rod in the machine at described quarter, described method comprises the steps:

Make described screw rod and rotary nut produce relative motion with will be described at least one carve and move to described precalculated position.

46. by the described method of claim 42, wherein said method also comprises the steps:

With described at least one carve head and be locked at a precalculated position on the pedestal.

47. by the described method of claim 39, wherein said activation actuation step also comprises the steps:

Described a plurality of heads of carving are installed on the screw rod on the machine frame at quarter;

Activate selectively with each and describedly a plurality ofly carve driver that head links to each other will being positioned at described precalculated position described a plurality of quarters.

48. a cylinder engraving method comprises the following steps:

(a) cylinder is installed on the machine of scribing;

(b) adjust automatically a plurality of quarters head to a precalculated position on described cylinder, to scribe a plurality of patterns;

(c) on described cylinder, scribe described a plurality of pattern.

49. by the described method of claim 48, wherein said method also comprises:

In the computer in the described quarter machine, form the program of a plurality of patterns;

Use described computer to carry out described set-up procedure.

50. by the described method of claim 49, wherein said method also comprises:

Activate described at least one transmission device described a plurality of heads of scribing are adjusted to described precalculated position.

51. by the described method of claim 48, wherein said method also comprises the steps:

Head at described a plurality of quarter is set on the pedestal that is installed in adjustably on the machine at described quarter adjustably.

52. by the described method of claim 50, wherein said transmission device comprises that one is describedly a plurality ofly carved the described methods of driver that head links to each other and also comprises the steps: with at least one

Activating described driver makes described quarter head be positioned at a described precalculated position on the described pedestal.

53. by the described method of claim 51, the wherein said step of scribing also comprises the steps:

Drive described pedestal in the direction that is roughly parallel to described cylinder axis when scribing.

54. by the described method of claim 51, wherein said method also comprises the steps:

Drive described pedestal to locate head at described a plurality of quarter thereon adjustably.

55. by the described method of claim 48, wherein said method also comprises the steps:

With described a plurality of quarters head be locked at described precalculated position.

56. by the described method of claim 48, wherein said method also comprises the steps:

Use a drive system to drive described a plurality of quarter head to described precalculated position.

57. by the described method of claim 51, wherein said each carve head comprise a coupled connector, described connector be installed in adjustably one with counterpart that pedestal links to each other on, described method also comprises the steps:

Make between described connector and counterpart produce relative motion so that described quarter head move on to a precalculated position.

58. by the described method of claim 57, wherein said connector is that a rotating nut and described counterpart are screw rods.

59. by the described method of claim 48, wherein said method also comprises:

Measure at least one described a plurality of relative position of carving precalculated position on head and the described cylinder.

60. by the described method of claim 59, wherein said precalculated position is scribed symbol and is limited by being engraved on the described cylinder one.

61., use an optical pickocff in the wherein said measuring process by the described method of claim 60.

62. head moves to the transmission system of carving the precalculated position of head with respect to another with a moment in a moment machine, described transmission system comprises:

With one first driving member that quarter, machine linked to each other; With

With one second driving member that quarter, head linked to each other.

63. by the described transmission system of claim 62, wherein said first driving member comprises that an actuator and described second driving member comprise a connector.

64. by the described transmission system of claim 63, wherein said transmission system comprises that one makes described actuator and described connector produce relative motion so that the described motor that quarter, head moved in the direction that parallels to the axis that is roughly parallel to the cylinder that is installed on the machine at quarter.

65. by the described transmission system of claim 64, wherein said first driving member comprises that a screw rod and described second driving member comprise a nut.

66. by the described transmission system of claim 65, wherein said quarter, machine comprised the motor of a rotating drive nut.

67. by the described transmission system of claim 62, wherein transmission system is arranged on the pedestal.

68. one kind quarter machine comprise:

At least one carves head, the quarter that is used to scribe cylinder be used on the machine make described at least one carve head and carve the transmission system that head is positioned at a precalculated position with respect to another, described transmission system comprises:

One first driving member that links to each other with the machine of scribing; With

One with carve second driving member that head links to each other.

69. by the described machine of scribing of claim 68, wherein said first driving member comprises that an actuator and described second driving member comprise a connector.

70. by the described machine of scribing of claim 69, wherein said counterpart comprises that one makes described actuator and described connector produce relative motion so that the motor that described quarter, head moved.

71. by the described machine of scribing of claim 70, wherein said first driving member comprises that a screw rod and described second driving member comprise a nut.

72., wherein saidly scribe the motor that machine comprises a rotating drive nut by the described machine of scribing of claim 71.

73. by the described transmission system of claim 68, wherein transmission system is positioned on the pedestal.

74. scribe the positioning mode of head at a moment in the machine, comprise the following steps:

(a) a plurality of and described quarter head is set and scribes the driving member that machine links to each other with described;

(b) described a plurality of driving member is produced relatively move so that move on to a precalculated position on the machine at quarter described quarters.

75. by the described method of claim 74, wherein said method also comprises the steps:

Measure described position of carving head.

76. by the described method of claim 75, wherein said measuring process comprises the steps:

Measure described quarter head with respect to position of scribing reference symbol on the cylinder that is installed in rotation on the machine at quarter.

77. by the described method of claim 74, wherein said a plurality of driving member comprise a screw rod with one with carve head and link to each other and be installed in nut on the screw rod, described method comprises the steps: to make described screw rod and nut to produce relative motion will moving on to described precalculated position described quarter.

78. by the described method of claim 77, wherein said method also comprises the steps:

Drive described nut with described quarter head move on to described precalculated position.

79. by the described method of claim 74, wherein said quarter, head comprised the controller of control screw rod operation, described method also comprises the steps:

In described controller, store one corresponding to the nonlinear tables of data of described screw rod.

Use described nonlinear data table to compensate the non-linear of described screw rod.

80. by the described method of claim 74, wherein said method also comprises the steps:

With described a plurality of driving members and described quarter head be arranged on the glide base.

81. scribe in the machine one and at least one to be carved head navigate to one and carve the system in the precalculated position of head, comprising with respect to a preliminary election:

Be used to drive described at least one carve the transmission mechanism of head; With

One link to each other with described transmission device with described at least one carve the controller that head is driven into a precalculated position.